Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, we’ve received video messages from CDF delegates who expressed their support to China.

Today’s video is from Michel A. Khalaf, President & CEO of MetLife.

He said that “The global cooperation and response to this crisis is truly impressive. It is a reminder to all of our shared interests and shared resilience in our interconnected world. I was very much looking forward to attending the CDF in Beijing in March, and I am planning to attend as soon as it is rescheduled.”

MetLife is committed to supporting those in China and around the world who are affected by the outbreak. MetLife China and MetLife Foundation (via Give2Asia) have jointly donated RMB 3 million to the China Red Cross Foundation in support of a new hospital dedicated to treating COVID-19 patients in Huanggang, Hubei.

For customers, they have implemented emergency measures quickly and effectively, including simplified claims process and requirements, fast-tracked claim processing, waive of waiting periods and deductibles for hospitalization and medical reimbursement products, and expanded coverage for most existing and new customers.

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The following is the full speech.

Hello everyone.

I want to express my deepest sympathy for the stress and strain that the Chinese people are experiencing due to the recent outbreak of the COVID-19.

On behalf of all of us at MetLife, I am sending our best wishes for a quick recovery of all affected individuals and our hope that life can return to normal soon.

It is truly inspiring to witness the strength and resilience of the Chinese people. The energy and sacrifice that so many have made – health professionals, construction workers, logistics personnel, and volunteers – shows us the breadth of humanity in these challenging times.

I applaud the selflessness of millions who have cooperated with quarantine measures on a scale unmatched in human history; it is a great testament to the enduring spirit of the Chinese people.

I want to especially thank the MetLife team and their fellow citizens in Wuhan and the surrounding areas. I am so very proud of everything our people are doing across China to help.

For our customers, we have implemented emergency measures quickly and efficiently. We have fast tracked our claims processing for coronavirus cases. Enhanced our coverage amounts during this period. Waived waiting periods and deductibles for hospitalization and medical reimbursements. And deployed substantial IT expansions to ensure customers can get 24-hour support with no interruption.

For our people, both employees and contract workers, we have expanded the daily hospital allowance and life coverage.

And finally, for the greater community, MetLife China and the global MetLife Foundation have made matching donations to the China Red Cross Foundation to support the rapid construction of a new hospital in Huanggang, Hubei province.

In China, and everywhere MetLife does business, our people are living our purpose every day, helping our colleagues and customers and all of our stakeholders build a more confident future.

The global cooperation and response to this crisis is truly impressive. It is a reminder to all of our shared interests and shared resilience in our interconnected world.

I was very much looking forward to attending the CDF in Beijing in March, and I am planning to attend as soon as it is rescheduled. I hope it will be a time of celebration and everyone globally, who has worked to contain the pandemic.

In the meantime, all of us at MetLife are sending our support to those who are living with and managing this issue.

Thank you！